Guoshigou Taoyuan Cave Scenic Area

Guoshigou Taoyuan Cave Scenic Area

Guoshigou Taoyuan Cave Scenic Area

Guoshigou Taoyuan Cave Scenic Area was designated as one of the three county-level scenic spots by Nayong County People's Government in 1986 after an investigation of scenic resources. It consists of four attractions: reservoir lakes, dam waterfalls, the wonders of Taoyuan Cave, peak forests, and bubbling springs.

This scenic area is a tourist destination that integrates water lakes, artificial waterfalls, underground caves, bubbling springs, and peak forests, possessing significant development and viewing value. It has now been preliminarily developed into a holiday leisure and entertainment spot for the people of Nayong and tourists alike.

The glittering gravel steps resemble terraced fields in the Wumeng Mountain region, like pearls, like gemstones, as if they were a golden staircase to the heavens. As people ascend these steps, they can climb over this towering mountain ridge. Standing atop this peak, one can fully admire the towering, elegant silver-white stalactite pillars and stone forests before them — such as the Seven-Meter Peak, Five-Meter Pillar, Snow Lotus Peak, Elephant Trunk Ridge, Pagoda Pine, Guanyin Seat, and White Spirit Treasure Top — all vividly realistic. Each formation is exquisitely transparent, rising from the ground and piercing the sky. Strolling and sightseeing here, every corner is wondrous and beautiful. The ear catches the gentle flow of hidden rivers, while the eyes feast on surrounding stalactite forests. The air is fresh and serene, every step evokes poetry, and everywhere you look is like a painting. Walking through this treasure trove of wonders feels like exploring the Dragon Palace under the Eastern Sea.

Taoyuan Cave was originally called Big Black Cave and also has a touching legend: It is said that at the bottom of this big black cave lived a little black dragon. When he learned that the evil dragon in Weining Caohai was planning to spew water to flood and occupy the Maochang Dam (now the Lezhi Dam) and make it his home, as the evil dragon swaggered into Nayong territory, the little black dragon hurriedly dispatched four bearers to carry a grand sedan chair to welcome him. Just as the evil dragon was about to lift its head and spew water to flood the dam, the Dragon-Hiding Scholar (a legendary immortal) slashed its vital spot with a single stroke, cutting it in half and causing a river of blood (now known as Yudong River). After its death, the evil dragon lay for a long time in the valley in front of Yongxi City (now Longtou Mountain). The little black dragon, not even having had the chance to flatter the evil dragon, turned around and dove into the big black cave, shutting the cave door tightly behind him. The four bearers were so frightened they died on the ridge, and the sedan chair remains there to this day, transformed into what is now called Sedan Chair Mountain. Visitors who are interested can even try to wake up those four bearers and have them give you a ride for a tour.

At the foot of Maiden Mountain in Taoyuan Cave lies another attraction of the scenic area: “Fruit-Covered Peak Forest Bubbling Springs.” Here, countless bubbling springs shoot up into the sky, but these two are the largest. They are less than 200 meters apart, with a discharge of 500 kilograms per second. Look at the smaller nearby bubbling springs, sending up waves like whispers or the continuous sound of a zither. According to measurements, these bubbling springs are all outlets of the hidden river inside Taoyuan Cave. They remain unaffected by mountain floods year-round, with clear water quality, making them the best drinking water source for the nearby rural communities.

At the top of the bubbling springs lies a forest of peaks rising from the ground. Whether viewed from afar or up close, they resemble the world-famous peaks of Guilin — each covered with verdant leaves, with steep and elegant cliffs. The flatlands between the mountains have fertile soil. Venturing deeper, one hears the chirping of orioles and warblers and sees blooming flowers everywhere, offering a rare and beautiful experience. Look at the farmsteads nestled under the shade of the woods — how leisurely and carefree their lives are. Under these beautiful peaks, generations have lived peaceful and contented lives. A poem praises:

In autumn, view red leaves; in winter, admire tea;

Spring’s blossoms last all year; homes lie 'neath green trees.

The lake of Guoshigou Reservoir combines lake water and pine forests into one color, with mountains and waters reflecting each other across an endless expanse of misty waves. The beautiful lake water changes endlessly with the seasons — sometimes clear, sometimes deep blue, sometimes emerald green, or softly red — all incredibly enchanting. Morning glow and sunset cast shimmering radiance upon the gentle waters, dazzling and resplendent; under the bright moon, the silvery moonlight spills across the lake surface, creating rippling light that captivates and holds visitors spellbound. Boating on the lake, where lake and mountain scenery complement each other, surrounded by encircling peaks with diverse summits reflected unevenly on the water...

As they merge into the lake, it fills the heart with joy.

On the left bank, a semi-circular lakeside pavilion corridor has been built. Here, visitors can disembark and ascend to the pavilion, gather with friends, sit in a circle, and gaze into the distance at the lake and mountain scenery, taking in the beauty of nature in its entirety. Thoughts wander freely. People leisurely rest on this corner pavilion — whether to share affection, recite poetry behind screens, discuss ancient and modern times, talk about world affairs, or play cards and chess — all are sources of endless joy.

Strolling around the lake, shaded by lush greenery and vibrant life. Within these dense shrubbery forests lies a kingdom of birds — red-crowned cranes, under national second-class protection, frequently visit. Birds of various kinds chirp in the woods, while cuckoos call out seasonally from high above, akin to birds paying homage to the phoenix.

Look at the large boat permanently stationed on the lake — approximately 30 meters long and 10 meters wide, divided into upper, middle, and lower decks — named the “Water Park,” where visitors can sing, dance, eat, drink, and enjoy themselves to the fullest. The top deck also features leisure rooms where, after playing and feasting, visitors can rest and spend a delightful night aboard the boat.

Observe the man-made dam, which resembles a giant dragon sealing the river, holding back the flow of the Guoshigou River. The dam stands like a mighty fortress, 35 meters high, 5 meters wide, and 110 meters long. Each side has 97 steps leading up to the dam. Visitors can climb to the top from either side and gaze into the distance, where Guoshigou Reservoir shines like a jewel embedded among the mountains — crystal clear, picturesque, and enchanting. The panoramic views of lake and mountain spread out before your eyes. During the rainy season, water gushes from the dam, forming a man-made waterfall with surging white waves and thunderous sounds echoing through the valley. In the dry season, the dam still releases a gentle trickle, like a silver ribbon fluttering or the soft tones of a zither echoing through the valley — offering a uniquely tranquil charm that stirs the imagination.

Guoshigou also has a touching legend: It is said that over two hundred years ago, this place was a dry riverbed, flanked by barren hills and desolate mounds. Wu Family Village and Guo Family Village were scattered with just a few dozen households, often troubled by water shortages. On a cold and windy night, a series of roars jolted people awake. An elderly man pushed open his window and saw a pair of massive creatures walking and roaring in the dry riverbed below Wu Family Village slope — their sounds shaking the valley. Upon closer listening, they turned out to be the roars of a lion. The next day, the old man told others, and people came asking questions. From then on, people began calling this dry gully “Guoshigou” (Lion-Crossing River). The construction of this dam and scenic area has completely transformed the original appearance of Guoshigou.

Another attraction in this scenic area is Taoyuan Cave, located about 8 kilometers from Guoshigou. This cave is divided into upper and lower levels, stretching a total length of 7.5 kilometers. It consists of eighteen halls, with countless glittering stalactite pillars and stalagmites forming a veritable stone forest within this karst cave.